NEWS RELEASE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

CONTACT:

Jennifer Highfield

(412) 518-7793

  • United Way of Allegheny County, Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time &
  • More than 300 Youth Celebrate “Pittsburgh Lights On”
  • part of National Lights On Afterschool

Lights On Afterschool is a national day of recognition celebrating the importance of afterschool programming

(Pittsburgh, PA) October 18 – Today at Heinz History Center, United Way of Allegheny County and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) will host more than 300 students from pre-k through 12th grade for Lights On Pittsburgh a local celebration of National Lights On Afterschool.

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families, and inspire learning. In Allegheny County, APOST works to build a quality afterschool system with a network of more than 650 afterschool programs. APOST provides professional development, convenes best practices and encourages collaboration.

Aimee LeFevers, APOST Quality Campaign Director, United Way of Allegheny County said, “Our partners are dedicated to building a quality system in Allegheny County to provide the best programming so that, ultimately, children reach their greatest potential. Afterschool programming benefits schools and educators, parents and families, kids and the community.”

In Pennsylvania, there are more than 2,083,000 school-age children.

  • 26% of those children (K-12) are responsible for taking care of themselves after school
  • Only 9% of those children (K-12) participate in afterschool programs
  • 32% or 605,000 children not in afterschool would be likely to participate if an afterschool program were available

(Afterschool Alliance, America After 3 pm, 2009)

Lights On Afterschool is an opportunity, on a local and national level, to raise awareness of the importance of afterschool programming.

Students and their families in attendance can participate in a number of activities including: Pittsburgh’s Lights On Lip Dub Music Video; a Scavenger Hunt throughout Heinz History Center; a Fun Fair featuring a number of interactive and engaging activities provided by some of Pittsburgh’s expert out-of-school-time learning providers; “Why I Love Afterschool” Video production.

APOST is sponsored by:

The Heinz Endowments, The Grable Foundation, McAuley Ministries

APOST is participating in and promoting the national Lights On Afterschool Photo Contest on Facebook.
Shine a light on your favorite afterschool program by registering to celebrate Lights On Afterschool, the nation’s largest rally for afterschool programs, at Beginning Thursday, Oct. 18, send us your celebration photos! Three will win $1,000. Winners must meet the judges’ criteria. (Afterschool Alliance Facebook page)

About United Way of Allegheny County – United Way of Allegheny County is a change agent and efficient community fundraiser that improves lives by addressing critical community needs. By convening diverse partners and investing in programs and people to advance solutions, United Way creates long-lasting change and helps children and youth succeed, strengthens and supports families by promoting financial stability, ensures the safety and well-being of vulnerable seniors, and provides county-wide access to information and referral sources meeting basic needs.

UnitedWayPittsburgh @UnitedWayPgh

About APOST – Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) is a partnership of funders, intermediaries, school districts and providers dedicated to building a quality OST system that will contribute to the healthy successful development of young people as they progress through their school years, graduate from high school, and enter into adulthood.

AfterschoolPgh @AfterschoolPgh

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